Naomi MacDonald, a second-year student in Holland College’s Early Childhood Care and Education program, has achieved more than just good marks this year. Her hard work and dedication have also earned her a 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage ES.

Emma Huestis in the Early Childhood Care and Education program, Morgan Smith in the Practical Nursing program, and John MacCormac and Rebecca Barkhouse, both in the Child and Youth Care Worker program, were also finalists for the award, receiving $1,000 each. The five students were shortlisted from nominations received from faculty and staff based on merit, character, and academic achievement.

"Earning the car will have such an impact on my educational journey and my family,” said Naomi MacDonald. “I plan to build on my Holland College training, obtain a Bachelor of Education, and focus my career on early childhood education and support. I will also give back to my community as much as I can."

EARN a Car was established in 2015 through the generosity of Holland College Foundation donor Lou MacEachern. For the last nine years, MacEachern has donated funds to purchase a car and present four $1,000 cash awards, with the goal of motiving students to achieve their personal and academic best. All full-time Holland College students in a first or second year post-secondary program were eligible. A record number of 55 nominations was received this year. Finalists were determined by a team from Student Support Services prior to being interviewed by a selection panel. The car and cash awards were presented at and announcement event on the Prince of Wales Campus.

“I can say from experience that education can transform your life,” said MacEachern. “I support students because they are our future and I want to motivate them to continue to pursue their goals and dreams.”

MacEachern grew up in Hazel Grove, PEI, and, like many of his generation, left school at a young age to help on the family farm. In 1956, he returned to Queen Charlotte School in Charlottetown as a mature student, after which he attended post-secondary training at Prince of Wales College and then Dalhousie University. MacEachern moved to Calgary, where he married, raised a family, and made his mark as a leader in business and as a benefactor in the community.

“Lou’s generosity to our college and our students through the Holland College Foundation over the last nine years is remarkable,” said Holland College President Dr. Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald. “In addition to providing the unique opportunity for our students to earn a car and cash awards, he has funded close to $100,000 in bursaries for business students. We are so grateful to Lou for his long-time support and his significant investment in the futures of our students.”

In this picture: (Left to right) John MacCormac, Child and Youth Care Worker; Rebecca Barkhouse, Child and Youth Care Worker; Dr. Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald, Holland College President; Emma Huestis, Early Childhood Care and Education; Morgan Smith, Practical Nursing; Naomi MacDonald, proudly holding the keys to her 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage ES; and, Kent Scales, Holland College Foundation Board Chair.